Benvenuti! My name is Roberta Pennasilico and I have been teaching Italian Culture and Language since 1991. I teach levels II through Advanced Placement at Naples Middle High School, a Department of Defense Dependents School situated in Naples, Italy. In my career, I have built a strong educational program that emphasizes the appreciation of the language and the culture of the host nation country. I organize study trips to local sites, cultural exchanges with Italian schools, concerts, cultural events on a regular basis and sponsor a very active Italian Club at my school.

I like to teach new, updated lessons that involve language activities and interactive exercises: I use a large variety of technological tools and design original lesson plans that elicit class discussions. For this reason, I have been selected as a presenter in several teachers’ trainings and conventions (at my own school, at College Board Advanced Placement Convention, AP Summer Institute and at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). I really enjoy sharing my ideas, energy, lessons and techniques with my colleagues around the world.

The Italian experience at NAHS

I am very proud to say that the Italian course at Naples Middle High School has grown tremendously over the years. Since the very beginning of my teaching, I have always worked hard to have my students get to know more about their host country and appreciate Italy’s customs and history.

From time to time, we organize cultural events that involve Italian celebrities, musicians, college teachers and alike.

DoDEA

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is a civilian agency of the United States Department of Defense that manages all schools for military children and teenagers in the United States and also overseas at American military bases worldwide. DoDEA also provides support to more than one million military-connected students who attend public schools throughout the United States. It is headed by a director who oversees all agency functions from the Mark Center in Alexandria Virginia. DoDEA's schools are divided into three areas, each of which is managed by an area director. Within each of these three areas, schools are organized into districts headed by superintendents.>> visit DoDEA website

College Board

The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education.Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT and the Advanced Placement Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools.>> visit the College Board website

ACTFL

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) is dedicated to the improvement and expansion of the teaching and learning of all languages at all levels of instruction. ACTFL is an individual membership organization of more than 12,000 language educators, students, and administrators. ACTFL holds an annual Convention and World Languages Expo that provides participating teachers with an amazing educational journey with the option to choose from more than 700 educational sessions in a variety of formats covering a wide spectrum of the language profession. The ACTFL Convention is an international event bringing together more than 6,000 language educators from all languages, levels and assignments.>> visit the ACTFL website

AATI

The American Association of Teachers of Italian is a professional organization of scholars worldwide who contribute to the multi-disciplinary field of Italian Studies through teaching, research, and service. Our mission is to promote, advance, and preserve the study of Italian language, literature, and culture in its multiple historical and contemporary manifestations. The AATI achieves these goals by sponsoring meetings, seminars, conferences, competitions, workshops, national examinations, the National Italian Honor Society, and by publishing the quarterly journal Italica, dedicated to excellence in teaching and research in all areas of Italian studies. The AATI also collaborates with other professional organizations to accomplish its objectives.>> visit the AATI website